Seed Keywords List

What Is a Seed Keywords List?

A seed keywords list is the foundation of any keyword research process. It consists of a handful of core terms that describe the main topics, products, or services of a website. From these seeds, SEO tools generate related phrases, long‑tail variations, and search volume data that guide content creation and on‑page optimization.

Why Every SEO Beginner Needs One

If you are new to SEO and wondering what to prioritize, a seed keywords list helps you:

Identify the most relevant topics for your audience.
Save time by narrowing down hundreds of potential keywords to a manageable set.
Align your content strategy with real search intent.

How to Build a Seed Keywords List

Creating a robust seed list is simple when you follow a step‑by‑step approach. Below is a practical workflow that can be used in a SEO Made Simple video tutorial or a one‑on‑one chat with a consultant like GoDaddy Guide Emily.

1. Brainstorm Core Topics

Start by listing the main categories of your business. For example, a boutique coffee shop might write down:

Specialty coffee
Brewing equipment
Coffee subscriptions
Barista training

2. Add Customer Language

Think about the words your customers use when they talk about your products. Review FAQs, support tickets, and social media comments. Highlight phrases that appear repeatedly and add them to your seed list.

3. Use Keyword Tools for Expansion

Enter each seed term into a keyword research tool (Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, SEMrush, or free alternatives like Ubersuggest). Capture the top suggestions, search volume, and competition level. Export the results into a spreadsheet and keep only the most relevant terms.

4. Filter for Relevance and Intent

Not every generated phrase will be useful. Apply these filters:

Search intent: Is the user looking for information, a product, or a location?
Search volume: Prioritize keywords with a reasonable monthly search count.
Competition: For beginners, target low‑to‑medium competition terms.